It must be Acting Grand Master Jean...
She's probably asking why Wendy left Mondstadt...
Standing alone outside, gazing down at Liyue from below the Jade Chamber, Kaito thought to himself.
If he wasn't mistaken, Acting Grand Master Jean must have suddenly realized Wendy had left, then learned from that Gothe fellow that she had gone to Liyue with him.
Because when checking out, Wendy had mentioned to Gothe that they were going to Liyue. So, after learning this, Acting Grand Master Jean must have written a letter or used some other method to have Ningguang over here in Liyue ask about the reason.
That should be right...
Clack, clack, clack—
Just as Kaito was still thinking about Acting Grand Master Jean, a set of footsteps sounded from behind him.
They're finally out...
Turning around, Kaito saw Ningguang walking toward him, with Keqing following closely behind.
So that's him...
I feel...
He really does seem quite extraordinary...
As soon as she came out, Ningguang saw the black-haired young man in the distance with his back to her.
Then, she quickly saw him turn around and meet her gaze.
She didn't know if it was because of his connection to the Anemo Archon, but she had a feeling he was anything but ordinary.
But regardless, this young man truly had a striking presence.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. You... must be Kaito, correct?"
Ningguang had spoken before she even reached him.
"That's right. May I ask... why you were looking for me?"
He had wanted to call Ningguang by name, but remembering that he wasn't supposed to know her yet, Kaito simply used the word 'you.'
And he had to admit, the Ningguang he was seeing now felt very different from the Ningguang he had seen in the game.
"Let me introduce myself first." Placing a hand on her chest, Ningguang decided to introduce herself. "I am the Tianquan of the Qixing, Ningguang. You can just call me Ningguang."
After speaking, Ningguang looked at Kaito with a faint smile.
In truth, very few people could make her introduce herself. Usually, it was others who painstakingly introduced themselves before her, hoping to leave an impression.
As for her, she needed no introduction for others to know her status.
But the young man before her was clearly different. She had to treat him with caution.
Although many things were still uncertain, it was never wrong to be a little cautious.
"Hello, Ningguang... May I ask why you were looking for me?"
Kaito had originally wanted to say "Miss Ningguang," but recalling what she had just said, he left out the "Miss."
Of course, these details weren't important. Right now, he just wanted to know if Ningguang was looking for him for the reason he suspected.
He really is different...
Looking at the young man whose expression hadn't changed from start to finish, Ningguang was a little surprised.
She had originally thought her status might surprise him, or even intimidate him—after all, she was the Tianquan of Liyue—but she had clearly thought too much of it.
But then she remembered his probable relationship with the Anemo Archon, and his current reaction seemed perfectly normal.
After all, he could even make a god fall for him. What was a mere Tianquan of Liyue in comparison?
"It's like this, Kaito. Someone asked me to help them ask something of a girl who is with you." Pausing for a moment, Ningguang continued, "That girl's name is Wendy. She has blue-green eyes and short hair. You should know her, Kaito, right?"
After she finished, Ningguang watched Kaito and waited for his reply.
Because Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master had only asked her not to reveal the Anemo Archon's identity, she didn't hide anything else and just said it outright.
Why does Ningguang seem...
a bit different?
Listening silently to Ningguang and Kaito's conversation from the side, Keqing couldn't help but think this.
Although Ningguang's tone was more or less the same as usual, she felt something was off.
It was as if...
as if Ningguang was speaking to a friend she had known for a long time, completely lacking the sense of distance that usually filled her conversations...
Is it just because he's the Anemo Archon's boyfriend?
"Of course I know her, but I'd like to know who this person you're talking about is?"
Although he already knew the answer, Kaito asked anyway.
"Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master—Jean. You should know her, Kaito, right?"
Looking at Kaito, Ningguang answered deliberately, word by word.
She was observing, observing Kaito's reaction upon hearing her answer.
"Acting Grand Master Jean? I know of her, but we're not close." As if trying to recall something, Kaito continued, "I wonder what she wants with Wendy..."
"Then... would it be possible for me to meet with Miss Wendy?"
From Kaito's response, Ningguang still couldn't be sure of anything, so she wanted to meet Wendy.
"Can't you just tell me? Is it something important?" Kaito now looked very puzzled.
"Indeed. Acting Grand Master Jean hoped that I could speak to Miss Wendy in person about this matter."
Ningguang nodded.
No matter what, she had to meet this Miss Wendy—or rather, the Anemo Archon—in person.
"Alright then. But should we go now, or..."
"Let's go now," Ningguang replied quickly.
Even though it was already evening and she still had many things to handle, if she could meet the Anemo Archon and fulfill the request from Mondstadt's Acting Grand Master, it would be well worth it.
"In that case, Ningguang, please follow me."
---------------
---------------
Kaito's residence.
"Ah... why isn't Kaito back yet... Paimon's so hungry! I should have just gone with him."
Lying listlessly on the bed in the room, Paimon looked completely out of energy.
She had thought Kaito would be back quickly, but she had waited until now and still hadn't seen a trace of him.
"Then go look for him now."
Sitting on the edge of the bed, Lumine turned her head and gave Paimon a disdainful look.
It couldn't be helped; all Paimon thought about all day was food.
Right...
Do we usually eat with Kaito and the others?
Suddenly thinking of this, Lumine fell into deep thought.
Although she had eaten with Kaito a few times, with Wendy and Kiana there too, she always felt a bit out of place.
After all, she was the only outsider.
Wait...
there's also Paimon...
That carefree glutton definitely wouldn't overthink things...
At that moment, Lumine suddenly felt that Paimon was so wonderful after all.
"I hear something! Kaito must be back!"
Just as Lumine was lost in thought, Paimon suddenly jumped up from the bed.
Is Kaito back?
She subconsciously looked toward the door and saw Paimon had already flown out.
Does she always have to be in such a rush...
Sighing helplessly, Lumine also got up and walked out of the room.
_____
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